Cebu Pacific passenger volume dips 0.4% in August

Cebu Pacific (CEB) flew 2.103 million passengers in August, a 0.4% decrease from the previous year, attributed to the lean travel season.

Despite the overall dip, the airline's seat load factor improved to 83.7% from 81.3% in the prior year.

Domestic passengers fell by 4.4% to 1.562 million, though the domestic seat load factor rose to 87.6% from 81.9%.

International traffic saw a significant boost, with passenger numbers increasing by 13.3%.

CEB CEO Mike Szucs stated that the August decline is a temporary dip expected during the lean season, with traffic anticipated to rebound in the fourth quarter.

The airline adjusted domestic capacity in August due to unscheduled engine removals, a wet-lease agreement, and planned maintenance to prepare for the upcoming peak travel season.